Explore the lakes and the woodland which surround them with sketching artist Elwyn.

Come and explore Hiltingbury Lakes and the woodland which surround them. The lakes were original fishponds and later may have powered a mill, but now they are a beautiful oasis of water and trees in the middle of a residential district.

In this walk we will stroll around the ponds and through the ancient trees to find spots in which to pause and draw. The aim will be to stop two or three times and draw different elements of the woodland scene. These might be the view across the lake, a favourite tree, the ducks and other wildlife who live around the ponds or people fishing or sitting enjoying the view.

Drawing in woodland is always interesting with the different patterns of leaves, light and shade.

Elwyn will be there to offer advice and guidance. At the end of the walk, we will have a ‘throwdown’ where we put down are sketches together and see what we have achieved. It is always interesting to see what other people have done in the same place.

Elwyn is a local artist who runs urban sketching workshops in the area. His aim is to encourage people to ‘have a go’ at drawing. This walk will give you the opportunity to create some images in response to what you see as you walk around Hiltingbury Lakes

Elwyn will provide paper and basic materials for sketching but feel free to bring your own favourite art kit such as watercolour paints, pens and crayons.

On the day

We will meet: At the entrance to Hiltingbury Lakes on Kingsway, Chandler’s Ford SO53 1FR

What3words: https://w3w.co/whites.sector.fresh

By bus: The nearest bus stop is Thornden School on Winchester road. The Lakes are about 0.5 mile away- a 10-minute walk

By car: Parking is on the residential roads which surround the park.

Please wear suitable clothes for the weather and suitable footwear for walking on various surfaces, enclosed footwear recommended.

you might also want to bring along:

A bottle of water

Sunhat, sun glasses and suncream

Camera and or phone

and anything else to make you feel comfortable.

Please Note:

Walk grade: Easy – slow pace with stops to sketch and compare our work at the end.

Who should attend: Adults and children 11years +. Any under 18s attending any of the activities must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Sorry pets are not allowed to join a led walk unless they are a guide or assistance dog.

Child friendly: Yes. Accompanied children aged 11+ can come on the walk

Walk distance: 1 km

Inclusive: Yes, the walk is on well maintained gravel pathways and there are some steps in places. However wheelchair and mobility scooter users may not have access to as many sketching viewpoints as other participants.

There are no Toilet facilites on the site.

Description supplied by the event organiser.